The Boating Forum - Kinked Hydraulic Line Fix

Hi all,

I've got a kink in my hydr. steering line right at the cylinder (motor end). There enough slack in the line at the end that I could cut the kink out and put a new fitting on (if possible). I guess that's my question, is it possible to replace the end fittings on these hoses, or will I need to run a new hose? I asked the guys at the local marina about it a while ago and I believe they said they could fix it. I just can't remember if they said they'd run a new line or if they had the crimping tool to put a new fitting on....

Any thoughts?

thanks!

You can fix it, and you don't need a crimping tool, you can get reusable fittings. I use the all the time for autopilot installs

https://www.hydraulic-supply.com/compass/servlet/2TFMS-6-5B_TRIDENT_SEASTAR_STYLE_REUSABLE_FITTING_FOR_5/16_MAR._HOSE_462748.htm

Thanks for the link. Do you know if they make a 90deg fitting? I'm thinking this might reduce the chance of re-kinking in the future...

Thanks for the link. Do you know if they make a 90deg fitting? I'm thinking this might reduce the chance of re-kinking in the future...

Yes but you need the one with the swivel OR you need a 90 degree fitting and then screw your line into it.

Well, upon closer inspection I've decided to just replace the lines. The other line was also kinked and they looked like original equipment (30+ yrs old). I found a set of lines for $100, so that's not too much more than 2 new fittings would cost. Plus I know that the factory fittings won't be leaky (hopefully). I still might re-pipe the fittings so that they're at better angles and less likely to kink over... Are the fitting going into the cylinder just standard NPT threads (and can I get the 90's and whatever else I need at a hardware store?)